I am back (Re: front wheel for spare) - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

wesainadv1 · 09-19-2009, 10:55 AM

I was wesainadv, but had to come back as wesainadv1@aol.com, because my exhusband killed off my account. I have my little red mettalic passion and live in Louisville, KY. I am looking for a front wheel and tire for mine to use as a spare. I adore her, got her a year ago and just got an anniversary card from Smart USA.

HI GANG!!!!!

mvaldes · 09-19-2009, 12:18 PM

Welcome to the forum, glad you decided to join us. You can find tires in the marketkplace section of the fourms (looks toward the bottom of the column on the left) or on eBay. Failing that, I got mine from tirerack.com

Dan1776 · 09-19-2009, 03:26 PM

Welcome to the group.
Please verify what tire and rim combination you are plannig to use. It is my understanding that you can mount a rear combination in the front but not the reverse. I know some have thought the front combination was a good idea based on its smaller size and the ease of storing it in the car trunk are or behind the seat, however, this is not a recommended solution to the spare tire issue as far as I have been able to determine. I have the rear combination stored behind the driver seat with a cover by Tire Track. Good luck. Dan Hall

mvaldes · 09-19-2009, 06:32 PM

As an emergency "spare" to get you back to civilization and/or a smart dealer, the front will do just fine on the rear. It is lighter, smaller and easier to fit behind the driver's seat.

SubSlr88 · 09-22-2009, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan1776

It is my understanding that you can mount a rear combination in the front but not the reverse.

I continue to see this MIS-understanding posted in various places. It would be nice if you could post a reference to verify your claim.

As a practical matter, anything that can get you home/tire shop is desirable... even the horrid goop and tire pump is preferable to being stranded somewhere.

FWIW - eBay often has front wheel/tire combos for sale there - price varies, of course.

jefferios · 09-22-2009, 10:15 AM

I have seen a car mounted with the wider tires in front and the skinnies in back. It can be done.

Big Panda · 09-22-2009, 10:19 AM

Yes, the fronts will work great for a spare. I purchased an extra full set so that I could put the rear wheels/tires on the front to have the same size on all fours.

I was keeping one of the extra fronts for a spare so that left me with 3 EXTRAS. Unfortunately I sold them in no time...2 went to PA and one to TX.

As someone mentioned, keep an eye out on the "Marketplace". If you're real desparate, you can check out eBay, but for the most part, they want an arm, leg and first born male child.

Best of luck to you and, oh......btw, WELCOME!!!

Wizco · 09-22-2009, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SubSlr88

I continue to see this MIS-understanding posted in various places. It would be nice if you could post a reference to verify your claim.

As a practical matter, anything that can get you home/tire shop is desirable... even the horrid goop and tire pump is preferable to being stranded somewhere.

FWIW - eBay often has front wheel/tire combos for sale there - price varies, of course.

I _believe_ it's a carry over from the 450, which ( I believe

) couldn't swap fronts to rear due to the wheel offset.

The 451 factory front wheels will most certainly fit the back and vice versa.

mvaldes · 09-22-2009, 07:53 PM

I saw this posted on 451s, not sure if it's still available though:
"I'm sure you have found one by now, but I do have a front steel wheel and 155/60 R15 contiprocontact OEM tire with 592 miles on it. It does not have the sensor, just a standard valve stem. I am using the other as a spare also. If interested please contact me at colorado14er@roadrunner.com.

Thanks,
Bob"